December Events in The Berkshires
December 4, 2007
December 2007
Winter Shows at Berkshire Area Art Museums
October 12, 2007 - January 13, 2008
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
Williamstown, MA
Special Installation: Facing the Lens: Nineteenth-Century Portrait Photographs at the Clark
Facing the Lens, consisting of fifteen works from the collections of the Clark and the Troob Family Foundation, includes photographs by Édouard Baldus, Nadar, David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, Roger Fenton, and Julia Margaret Cameron.
The photographs’ subjects range from wealthy families at home and celebrated writers posing in commercial studios, to medical patients trapped in an age that offered limited treatments. Facing the Lens also includes two self-portraits, as few photographers could resist the urge to face the lens themselves, staring back into the mechanical eye that provided a source of income and an exciting new means of artistic expression.
October 15, 2007 - January 15, 2008
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
Williamstown, MA
Library Installation: Lapp Princess Press: A Small Press and Artists’ Books from the Late 1970s
Writer and art critic Amy Baker founded Lapp Princess Press in 1977. As with other small presses of the period, Lapp Princess’s goal was to create artists’ books that could be purchased by the widest possible audience. Each of the volumes created under Baker’s directorship were issued in editions of 2,000—a very large number for this type of material. They each sold for $3, making them even more accessible.
While the artist was given total freedom concerning the ultimate product, Baker set the format for the Lapp Princess books. Each closed book was to be a uniform six inches square. While some artists maintained a traditional book format of single, uniformly trimmed leaves, others opted to expand the book beyond the six inches, as in Chuck Close’s 64-inch leparello or the even more elaborately folded 18-by-24 inch sheet by David Shapiro and Lucio Pozzi. Monday through Friday, 10AM to 5PM
October 28, 2007 - January 21, 2008
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
Williamstown, MA
Printed Love
Eighteenth-century France had a flourishing market in artists’ prints and illustrated books. Printed Love draws from Clark collections to provide a broad picture of the variety of ways in which the theme of love was addressed in print in the eighteenth century during this period. Among the works on display are several masterpieces of French Rococo book illustration, many still in contemporary bindings, by master designers and engravers such as Jean Michel Moreau Le Jeune and Nicolas Delaunay. From the flirtatious to the libertine, from the light-hearted to the moralizing, these works give a sense of the context in which Fragonard’s allegories of love were viewed and appreciated.
November 10, 2007 - May 28, 2008
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel
A burgeoning art form with roots planted firmly in history, graphic novels, or long-form comic books, have inspired the interest of the literary establishment and a growing number of readers. For today’s aficionados, graphic novels, with their antiheroes and visual appeal, are positioned to usurp the role that the novel once played. Focused on subjects as diverse as the nature of relationships, the perils of war, and the meaning of life, graphic novels now comprise the fastest-growing sections of many bookstores?an accessible, vernacular art form with mass appeal. This comprehensive exhibition explores the history and diverse artistry of the graphic novel, featuring personal commentary and artworks by celebrated historic and contemporary practitioners. Original book pages and studies, sketchbooks, and video interviews provide insights into an evolving and exciting art form. Artworks by Jessica Abel, Sue Coe, R. Crumb, Howard Cruse, Steve Ditko, Will Eisner, Brian Fies, Gerhard, Milt Gross, Marc Hempel, Niko Henrichon, Mark Kalesniko, Peter Kuper, Harvey Kurtzman, Matt Madden, Frans Masereel, Frank Miller, Terry Moore, Dave Sim, Art Spiegelman, Lynd Ward, Lauren Weinstein, Mark Wheatley, Barron Storey and others will be on view.
November 17 - December 31, 2007
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
23rd Annual Festival of Trees “On the Move”
Join us for the 23rd Annual Festival of Trees. We deck the halls with some 200 theme decorated trees and celebrate all things on the move, from trains, planes and automobiles to skis, skates, and sleds. Get a move on as you wander through this enchanted forest, enjoy a model train display, vintage wind-up toys, and antique skis and sleds from the Berkshire Museum’s collection. And the Berkshire Museum is truly “on the move” as renovation has begun. Admission.
December 1 - 31
Red Lion Inn
Stockbridge, MA
Entertainment at the Lion’s Den
Folk, Irish, Rock, Jazz and more at the Lion’s Den every evening. No cover charge. 9PM (9:30 Weekends)
December 1
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Festival of Trees Family Night
Wiggle in for a night of spinning fun for the whole family. Spot the Silver Swimmers—a unique ensemble of movement artists—moving through the galleries to festive holiday music. At 7 p.m., the husband-and-wife duo Yo-Yo People perform their spectacular tricks with yo-yos and hula-hoops; they have been featured on America’s Got Talent, The Late Show with David Letterman, and more. Included with Festival of Trees admission. 5PM - 8PM.
Shakespeare & Co.
Lenox, MA
An Impossible Life
An Impossible Life is a warm, humorous, life-affirming story of a writer searching for the roots of his mother’s insanity. The search takes him on an enchanting journey through his Jewish ancestry, family myths and traditions, resembling an Isaac B. Singer tall tale. It been called a “bobeh myseh”, meaning Yiddish for “grandmother’s tale”, and “the best writing about Jewish gangsters since Isaac Babel.”
Shakespeare & Company invites you to spend a special evening with David Black, Joe Cacaci, Tina Packer, Peter Riegert and other stage and screen celebrities, performing a staged reading of An Impossible Life by David Black, writer-producer of Law & Order, Hill Street Blues and 100 Centre Street (Adapted from his novel). Admission. 7:30PM
The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield, MA
Revenge of the Reindeer: Chicago City Limits
The holiday season brings wishes of joy and peace on earth, but not necessarily if you’re a reindeer—especially one that has to spend the holiday season flying from rooftop to rooftop lugging a big fat guy in a red suit who keeps trying to squeeze down chimneys! Well, we all have our issues, and Chicago City Limit’s special holiday show, Revenge of the Reindeer, gives us a chance to air them out. Through a combination of comedy sketches and improvisations created on the spot from audience suggestions and song parodies, the Chicago City Limits cast will put its spin on the trials and tribulations of the past year. This special December event is unlike any other holiday show. Yule love it! Admission. 8PM
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
A Special Holiday Evening for Families: Music of the Season
Embrace the long nights of winter! Join us for a magical evening of seasonal stories and enjoy art-making, heart-warming treats, songs and tales of holiday celebrations, and the wonder of Norman Rockwell?s artwork. At 5pm, performance artist Roger Tincknell invites you to sing along as he plays favorite songs from Chanukah and Christmas, connecting world cultures through holiday traditions. Free with Museum admission. Children 18 and under free.4PM - 7PM
Stockbridge Main Street
Stockbridge, MA
Holiday House Tour
Visit some of the area’s Historic Homes, B&B’s, and Inns. This self-guided tour is one of our most popular events. Admission. 11AM - 4PM
Stockbridge Main Street
Stockbridge, MA
Caroling Luminaria Walk
Meet in front of The Red Lion Inn, Main Street with your candle or flashlight and join the festive caroling followed by a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church. 6PM - 7PM
Stockbridge Main Street
Stockbridge, MA
Holiday Concert
Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program held at the First Congregational Church. Featuring the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus, the Blafield Children’s Chorus and Gisella Montanez. Admission. 7:30PM
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Great Barrington, MA
CEWM: Slavic Wonders - Feasts & Saints in Early Moscow, Krakow & Prague
The superb Rose Ensemble returns by popular demand with a performance featuring choral virtuosity of 17th Century Russia, Poland, and Bohemia. Dazzling Eastern European polyphony highlighting the antiphonal glory of Renaissance and Baroque music. , “The audience was mesmerized.” Cleveland Plain Dealer “A supernatural blend of voices, beauty of tone, and rhythmic acuity.” Early Music America Magazine “…they struck gold…a remarkable evening.” Clarence Fanto, WAMC Northeast Radio. Admission. 6PM
Berkshire Botanical Gardens December 1 - 9
Stockbridge, MA
Holiday Marketplace
Exhibition and sale of handcrafted wreaths and holiday decorations, seasonal blooms and greens, herb products, crafts and gift items. Part of Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas celebration. Admission free. 10AM-5PM
Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock, MA
Member Shopping Days
Shop for ornaments, candles, music, holiday home goods and food. Members will receive special unannounced discounts and extra savings on selected items. Buy a gift membership for a friend presented in an Oval Box!
Stockbridge, MA
Teen Art Workshop Creating Your Own Graphic Novel
Join dynamic, award-winning graphic novelist Lauren Weinstein for this exciting workshop designed to take young artists through the process of creating a graphic novel of their own. Conceptual development, image sequences, dialogue, point of view, and aspects of self-publishing will be explored in this hands-on session that will result in a personal artist?s book to take home.
A successful cartoonist and a teacher at the School of Visual Arts and the 92nd Street Y in New York, Lauren Weinstein is also a singer in a rock band called Flaming Fire. Her graphic novels include Inside Vineyland, Girl Stories, and soon to be released The Goddess of War. Please bring a lunch; well provide beverages and dessert. Admission. 11AM - 4PM
Stockbridge Main Street
Stockbridge, MA
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Re-Creation
See Main Street as Norman Rockwell did when he painted the famous Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Main Street becomes a magical New England village with over 50 antique cars parked along the street (weather permitting) and a full range of festive activities to delight the child in everyone. Enjoy Holiday Music, Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Children may create ornaments at Santa’s workshop. Complete the day with a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Admission. 12PM - 2PM
December 3
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Great Barrington, MA
A Christmas Story (1983)
Admission.
December 7
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Downtown Pittsfield Tree Lighting Celebration
Gather on the front lawn of the Berkshire Museum for holiday fun before the city’s 7 p.m. tree lighting in Park Square. Enjoy hot-spiced cider and donuts and make an ornament for the lobby tree. Visit the holiday shop and receive a coupon for $2 off a future Festival of Trees visit. Cider and donuts generously donated by Bartlett Farms. Free. 5PM - 7PM.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
Model Citizens
Find out what it was like to pose for America?s favorite illustrator from one of Norman Rockwell?s former models. Free with Museum admission. 2:30PM
December 8 - 9
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Members’ Shopping Weekend
The race is on when Berkshire Museum members circle the racks in the Museum Shop, scout out gift items all weekend and enjoy 20% off their entire purchase. Present your current membership card at time of purchase to take advantage of this special 20% discount.
December 13
The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield, MA
Celtic Yuletide
Michael Londra, the Irish Tenor best known as the vocalist of Riverdance, presents an evening of “Christmas from Ireland,” told in song, dance and the classic stories of his youth. Enjoy traditional, heartwarming Irish carols and Gaelic versions of Christmas songs you know and love. The Irish musical group “An Dochas” joins Londra onstage to perform a blend of age-old Celtic rhythms with pipes and low whistles and frenetic traditional jigs and reels. Rounding out the evening are the breathtaking Haran Irish dancers performing traditional and modern dances that reflect the two worlds in which Ireland lives. This is an evening guaranteed to send you out into the winter’s night warmed by the spirit of a Celtic Christmas. Admission. 8PM
December 15
Lenox Contra Dance
Lenox, MA
Holiday dance and potluck. Early session 5-7pm, Bottom of the Bucket, with Fiona DeRis calling. Potluck from 7 to 8 Evening dance from 8-11:30, Spare Parts with Jim Fownes calling. Admission.
December 16
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
All Aboard the Polar Express
At noon, join us for a festive session of engineering a 6 x 21 x 8 inch gingerbread train. Cookies, icing, and candy will be provided for your take-home confection. Reserve your gingerbread train kit and supplies by Monday, December 7 ($25 per complete kit; admission additional). At 2 p.m., see the beloved holiday film The Polar Express. Bring along your favorite teddy bear or doll. After the movie decorate a t-shirt for your toy friend and enjoy Polar Chocolate Nougat Caramel Squares and Hot Chocolate-Bar Cocoa. Movie and activities free with Festival admission. 12PM - 4PM.
December 21 - 22
The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield, MA
Albany Berkshire Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
12/21 at 4:30PM & 7:30PM
12/22 at 1:00PM & 4:30PM
December 26
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Vacation Week Art-Making: Rockets in Flight
Build a rocket and learn about the science of space flight. Timed tickets will be available at the front desk beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Space is limited. First come, first served. Free with Festival of Trees admission. 1PM - 3PM.
December 27
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Vacation Week Art-Making: Great Skate Create
Decorate your own skateboard! Your ticket gets you into the skateboard D.I.Y room where you will get a fully made skateboard and a set of paints to design a movin’ board. $40 ($30 members); includes timed-ticket for craft and Festival admission for crafter and one adult chaperone. Reservations required. 11:30AM, 1PM, & 2:30PM.
December 27 - 28
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge, MA
Linwood Living History Meet Mr. Butler
Spend some time getting to know Charles Butler, New York City attorney and owner of Linwood, our gracious Berkshire Cottage overlooking the Housatonic River. Mr. Butler will greet you in the library to share stories of his life and times and introduce you to the household staff. Find out if he makes the 3:10 train to New York! Participants are invited to join him for refreshments in the parlor after the program, which brings the owner of this 1859 home to life. Space is limited; please call for reservations. $5, members free. Does not include Museum admission. 2:30PM
December 28
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Vacation Week Art-Making: Rockets in Flight!
Build a rocket and learn about the science of space flight. Timed tickets will be available at the front desk beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Space is limited. First come, first served. Free with Festival of Trees admission. 1PM - 3PM.
December 31
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, MA
Family New Year’s Celebration
Rocket to 2008 Astronauts, race car drivers, cyclists, and skaters: dress as your favorite mover and shaker to celebrate New Year at the Berkshire Museum. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Sing, shake, wiggle and giggle with Ben Rudnick and Friends. At noon, we countdown to rocket in to the New Year Then blast off to refreshments. $10 adults, $7 children ages 3-18 ($5/$3 members); includes Festival of trees admission. 11AM - 2PM.
